Creative honchos reveal the ‘aha moment’ of their advtg career

As the 11th edition of Portfolio Night, hosted in Mumbai by JWT India and partnered by exchange4media, is upon us, we ask creative leaders what has been their eye-opening moment, taking forward from the theme for this year’s Portfolio Night ‘An Eye-Opener’, which aims to bust advertising myths and unveil the truth in the most realistic, simple fun way.

For Ashish Khanzanchi, National Creative Director, Publicis Group, it was when he realised that he loved copywriting and wanted to pursue it for the rest of his life.

Whereas, for Manish Bhatt, Founder-Director, Scarecrow Communications, his eye opener moment was the realisation of the fact that advertising is a job which requires tremendous hard work, perseverance behind the scene unlike its glamorous perception.

“One thing I learnt early on is that keeping your eyes, ears, nose, heart and mind open all the time is critical for any creative person. So, I guess every single moment is an eye opening moment for me,” shared Sonal Dabral, Chairman and Chief Creative Officer, DDB Mudra Group.

JWT, the host of the event this year, chose the theme keeping in mind that aspiring advertising students nurse a multitude of misconceptions about the industry and its people.

“My first visit to Cannes 12 years ago was quite an experience. I will never forget the richness of it. I was stunned to see so many pieces of great work being put up there. For six days, you are surrounded with the world’s best ideas and best advertising people, followed by some great seminars and talks,” stated Santosh Padhi, Chief Creative Officer and Co – Founder, Taproot India.

In the 11 years since its inception, Portfolio Night has grown to be a global event, reaching creative hubs in every continent in an evening where the best of the present meet the best of the years to come. This edition of the event in Mumbai today promises to live up to its name and more…